Identification Specialist

What You'll Be Doing

Are you looking for a career with excellent benefits using your degree in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, or a related field? If so, the Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services is looking for an Identification Specialist to obtain and establish arrest information within a detention environment.

Primary Duties:
Fingerprint, photograph, and collect DNA from arrestees in accordance with NC General Statutes
Verify identification of arrestees through fingerprints
Disseminate criminal information to law enforcement and other authorized agencies
Communicate clearly with arresting officers and magistrates about criminal charge information required for accurate criminal records

Note: This position works a rotating 24/7 schedule. (i.e. 7am-7pm or 7pm or 7am)

About Our Team

The Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services was established by the North Carolina General Assembly in 1937. The Bureau now provides multidisciplinary forensic services to any criminal investigation having original jurisdiction within the geographical County of Wake. In addition, the Bureau fingerprints and photographs all persons arrested in Wake County in accordance with North Carolina General Statutes and provides civil fingerprinting services to the public for a fee. The Bureau’s mission is to continuously strive for perfection while setting the highest standards in crime scene investigation, forensic analysis of evidence, and collection of criminal arrest information. Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services is comprised of approximately 87 full-time employees divided into three divisions: The Crime Scene Science Division, the Laboratory Sciences Division, and the Identification Division. The Crime Scene Science Division's responsibility is to provide crime scene examination and analysis services to law enforcement agencies within Wake County. The Laboratory Sciences Division is responsible for the forensic analysis of evidence, including DNA examination, latent print examination services, firearms examination, controlled substance analysis, DWI blood drug/alcohol analysis, digital evidence examination, photographic services, and facial recognition examinations. The Identification Division is divided into a Civil Identification Unit and a Criminal Identification Unit. The Civil Identification Unit is tasked with providing public fingerprinting services. The Criminal Identification Unit is responsible for the collection of fingerprints and photographs, and the collection of statutorily required DNA collection kits from all individuals arrested in Wake County. For more detailed information regarding the Wake County Bureau of Forensic Services and the services provided, please see our website at the following address: www.wake.gov/bureau.

The Basics (Required Education and Experience)
Associate's degree in Physical, Natural or Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, or related field
No specific experience required
Successful completion of a fingerprint comparison course within 12 months of employment
NC Division of Criminal Information certification required within 12 months of employment - Must maintain current certification thereafter
Equivalent education and experience are accepted
Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.
Beyond the Basics (Preferred Education and Experience)
Bachelor's degree in Forensic or Natural Sciences, Criminal Justice, or equivalent
How Will We Know You're 'The One'?
Ability to provide positive and effective interpersonal communication skills in a teamwork environment
Ability to maintain a professional bearing and demeanor while communicating with arrestees in a detention center
About This Position

Location: Wake County Detention Raleigh, NC 27603

Employment Type: Regular

Work Schedule: 24/7 Rotating 12-hr shift

Hiring Range: 24.76-35.93

Market Range: 24.76 - 35.93

Please include ALL prior work experience on your application and resume.

Posting Closing Date: 7:00 pm on 3/24/2026